Plan to 'name and shame' insurers

The Queensland Master Builders Association says Premier Anna Bligh has agreed to work with them to name and shame insurance companies that do not support the local industry for cyclone rebuilding work in the state's far north.

Far north Queensland's construction industry says it is being overlooked by insurance companies, which are allocating cyclone rebuilding work interstate.

About 50 builders and contractors met Ms Bligh in Cairns last night to discuss their concerns about cyclone rebuilding work going to interstate companies.

She told them she will try to put their concerns to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) within the next week.

"We've only just started this public campaign to ensure that Queensland's rebuilt by Queenslanders - the Premier indicated last night she was supportive of that," he said.

"She's indicated she would come back to us next week and we would meet and come up with a plan, including having some discussions with the Insurance Council of Australia to ensure that the insurers get on board as well."

Mr Cuthbert says Ms Bligh would be 'talking tough' when she meets the ICA.

"We're supportive of that - the past practices where with Cyclone Larry and the Mackay floods and even The Gap storms [in Brisbane] where they chose to use interstate labour, we've copped that on the chin but we don't intend to do that this time," he said.

No time frame

Meanwhile, the head of north Queensland's cyclone recovery effort, Superintendent Mike Keating, says there is still no set time frame for rebuilding homes in affected areas.

Some homeowners say they have been told by their insurance companies it could take up to two years to rebuild.

Superintendent Keating says it will take time to map out the repair plan.

"It will have to be worked out in terms of assessing the work, engaging contractors to do the work and then getting in place a system where they can be accommodated and actually fulfil their responsibilities to do the work," he said.

"More importantly - get the resources and the equipment they need to do the work."

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